Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 points and made a key defensive play in the closing seconds to lead Germany to a 78-77 victory over Nigeria on Sunday in the second round of the FIBA world championship.

Nowitzki gave Germany a 78-71 lead on a slam dunk with 2 1/2 minutes left in the game.

Nigeria pulled to within one on free throws by Chamberlain Oguchi and Tunji Awojobi and had a chance to take the lead with seconds remaining. Ime Udoka drove for the basket but Nowitzki tipped his shot and grabbed the rebound at the final buzzer.

Germany will face the winner of the United States-Australia game in the quarterfinals.